The markets opened the week stronger putting a week of losses behind and looking at strong economic data and corporate earnings. Chinese CPI slowed as did the PPI which lowered input costs and eased monetary pressures. Exports from China doubled beating expectations and weakening recent trade data.

In Europe, the German Finance Minister refuted a Greek default and espoused the harm of an exit on the EU family. In the US, Retail Sales leapt 1.1% beating expectations and giving risk appetite a boost. This was tempered by the Empire State Manufacturing survey which contracted for the third straight month. The EUR held steady at 1.2940 and the GBP 1.6070.

The weak Manufacturing data hit commodities falling uniformly. The immediate impact on the associated currencies was tempered by the strong data from China. The AUD held 1.0250 and the KIWI 0.8180 with rising Home Loans and Car Sales reflecting a recovery in these major sectors after RBA easing policies beginning to impact. Corporate earnings have been strong, lead by Financials with Citi beating expectations with a free pass from Bond Yield returns.

Look for developments from Europe and economic data and corporate earnings to drive market sentiment in the US. Election fever is rising in the US and the gains by Romney are a positive for markets with Obama ineptitude well and truely exposed.

The second debate tonight may well cement the rise of conservatives with the 'Great Orator' unable to combat mortal questioning!

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